Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Evie: I'm not sure how long chemo stays in us, but I do know the SEs can take a while to resolve. I've heard to take the amount of total time you had chemo over ( for me: 4 rounds, every 3 weeks= 12 weeks) and double it-that's how long SEs could remain. Yuk! And, of course, there are some that the docs say could potentially NEVER resolve-how nice! I just keep telling myself over and over... I WILL be "normal" again (well, as normal as I ever was)!
Gramadeb: I didn't have the hot flashes, but I was often VERY cold with chemo. My heating blanket was my best friend.
Debap: Watch that temp! I'd put in a call to your onc about it. I was told to call anytime I had a fever 100.5 or higher. Anemia does not cause fever!
CHJ: Yes, the rain here in DE had me seriously bummed yesterday and even today-it's still gray, cooler, and wet out. Doesn't do much for the mood...
And hey, where IS Steve???
Edied to add: Hi algw! We must've posted at the same time. LOL at your Costco parking lot thoughts. I've had people comment on my "hair" too and I thought the same as you. Have you tried using a cap under your wig? I have one that the "wig lady" gave me-- it looks like pantyhose. I've also seen cotton ones. It does help so that I'm not as itchy, but can make my head hotter. Good luck tomorrow.
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algw...if you check back a little on this thread, there was some discussion on weight gain, loss and puffiness.
debap...I'm on day 4 of #3 and no fever. Only the funky mouth with no taste. Still weak thighs...I'll try and walk the treadmill and kick some butt into them. Maybe they need a little stretching.
Ladybug...when my overall body tells me "I could use a glass of wine today", then I have it. It is usually about day 6 or 7 when the taste comes back. I've never been told I couldn't have it. In fact on a Friday night when we go out, they said go ahead eat, drink what you want. So there! I ALWAYS listen to the big guys.
Hope you all are coping....Evie
KathyL...just went into a total depression. 12 weeks times 2 ??Yikes!
Guess I'll write the fun stuff off of the calendar for this year.
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Hi all - took me a long time to get through all the comments. Sorry for all the bad se, but hope everyone has a good day today. Spent the weekend with sports people and watching softball. Our tennis and sball teams went home early, but athletic directors and sports information directors stay to help. Interesting that some of the AD's knew and others didn't - All were very encouraging, told me how great I looked(must be the skin - ha ha - mine is better too) I might not look so great on May 3rd when we have our spring meeting - 5 days after my LAST chemo...
Kathy L if you do want some tips on exercise pm me...when things slow down I do plan to put some cancer and exercise tips on my home page.
Wendy - good to hear from you again.
Ladybugcyndi - I am over the mt from you - I go to AMC for treatment
Wt loss/Wt gain....yep for me it is up and down and when it gets up to 10 lbs over it really does get to me...some is definitely fluid and the drive to NC and sitting a lot didn't help that this weekend.
Today I am off, it is pouring outside, so I think I will do some REAL cleaning since I feel good.
So did you guys see Robin Roberts on GMA today, she took off her wig and looks fabulous as usual.
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aglw -- you can warm up the chemo chair for me. I've got tx 2 tomorrow afternoon!
I'm making a chart of what meds to take when this time in an effort to stay on top of the body aches and indigestion. Last time I was hesitant about taking so many pills for side effects. This time I'm trying the get ahead of it and stay ahead of it strategy!
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Otter
No I didn't get Neulasta, it had to be the Taxotere that caused the back pain. But I heard Neulasta does that.
Hope it skips me on tx # 2.
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revkat - I had the same attitude for round #1. I was hesitant to put MORE drugs into my body, but I am no longer worried about that. The percocet for bone pain saved my sanity, I'm convinced! I had not slept for days, was falling apart in front of my kids and it was a true godsend. My oncology nurse said, "if you need it, take it". We are all going through enough with this chemo circus, but we should still get to be the ring leader!
Here's to a calm, safe, s/e friendly round #2 for both of us and anyone else going down this week!
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Evie: Heck, woman, don't put off any plans just b/c of statistics! I say defy them instead! That's just a guideline I'd been told (about the SEs duration)-I intend on forging ahead despite the eye twitching and puffiness.
SharonS: I'll def. PM you. I'm all about ay tips to get rid of this blasted 10 lbs that is hanging on. Missed GMA-RR is pretty amazing. I'll have to check out the website to see if there's pic anywhere.
Off to see derm!
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algw, love the parking lot incident. That's funny!
Saturday, I went to Sally's Beauty Supply (with my wig on) to look for Nioxin or something to help my hair grow back. I had my final chemo and the lady at LGFG class suggested Nioxin. I found Nutri-Ox Hair Growth treatment instead, asked the young lady at the register "does this work?" She looks at me and said, "Umm, I don't think you need it?" Hehe. She had no idea :->
Have a pain-free Monday everyone!!!
God bless,
Aurora
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Good day all ..
For those in treatment this week...I will be with you. Schduled for treatment #2. Neulasta on Friday. Remember Claritin for those having Neulasta...I had no body aches on the first one....I think the claritin really did the trick. Will be doing some grocery shopping to prepare.
I have two plastic surgeon appointments this week. One at Cedar Sinai on Tuesday and one at City of Hope on Wednesday. Looking to do double mastectomy in October. Going through the interview process with three surgeons. Still have to make appointment with UCLA. I am looking at Tram or Diep. Leaning to Diep but interviewing both options. I cannot believe I actually have to have such a huge surgery but not a candidate for inplants due to radiation of my chest 19 years ago. Any good questions to ask the surgeon...let me know.
For those going for radiation in the future...I had radiation 19 years ago and I had no side effects. It was very easy on my body. Good luck as you get to know your rad techs.
CHJ...Off to run errands wish we lived close by we could have done them together.
Good Day !!!!
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Aurora..I'm glad you mentioned the Nioxin. All you lady's that have the last chemo behind you, I encourage you to use the Nioxin products. Especially the Rejuvenating serum. It really does help to grow your hair back and helps you keep what you have.I used it all the time before BC and even if it can't "fight" against chemo drop out, it will grow in a hurry. I never really lost all my hair, so it may have helped some before. But beware of impostors, they won't work the same.
KathyL...just joking, I'm not canceling out this year.
Hugs, Evie
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Hi all,
Well, I think I'm turning a corner today, coming up out of the fog. I still have the stomach knots, but at least I'm not totally sofa-bound. I went to Look Good Feel Better this afternoon. It was a blast. We all had a full case of makeup and mirrors, and got to do the makeup thing as we went along. There were 7 of us in the class and we got swapping lipstick and eye shadow and other things that we didn't like as much as what someone else got. The very best part of it was that I took my wig along, and the woman (hairdresser) who led the class played with it, cut a little bit out and combed a it bit differently and it made a big difference in how it looks. I still won't wear it much (just to work) but I don't hate it as much as I did!!
Tig - you're not getting surgery until October? How is that? Good for you, though, interviewing different docs.
algw & revkat (and anyone else) - wishing you an easy treatment this week!
CHJ
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Afternoon all,
#4 on Thursday. Have been a bit busy with various se. Sure was hoping to have a couple of days off, but hey....last on Thursday, and recovery from chemo to get ready for doing the various additional parts to my reconstruction. Just a quick note to say hi.
Have a good rest of your Monday.
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algw: How did you make out today? Half way there, yahoo!
revkat: Good luck tomorrow! Tx#2 was not that bad for me, I hope the same is true for you.
chj127: I feel much better today. Once you "turn the corner" everything improves pretty quickly. Where can I find out about the LGFG class? I keep reading about it on this site but have not heard it mentioned around here. I live in the Albany area, so I'm sure it is available.
goldilocks: Congratulations on #4!! How long do you have to wait for reconstruction? My ps said about 4 weeks to do the switch and I think matching the other as well. I am so sick of this rock hard expander.
40somethingMom: How are you? I haven't seen you here in a while.
Have a great night ladies!
Debbie
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chj...I am not having surgery till October because they want me to go through 6 treatments...that brings me to August and then I have to rest up to get strong for the surgery in October. I will not be doing radiation since I cannot do it again. I had radiation back in 1989. Long haul but one treatment down, five more to go then surgery.
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KathyL - not sure how the clear dressing is working. Haven't tried to peel them off yet. Who knows?
Artsee - I was thinking the same thing about new boyfriend. Maybe he's the one that caused the hot flashes - now that would really suck after going through all this treatment crap and not being able to enjoy a few pints of beer.
Gramadeb - I had hot and cold flashes throughout this entire process. Sometimes I still wear a hat to bed.
Chj - they gave me 3 weeks in between chemo and rads.
Algw - support group "interview" is today. Glad I'm going to my own therapist before I see the support group psychiatrist. If my therapist nixes the idea then I'm not going...but then again I'm sure it will make a humorous story to cheer you ladies up. I'll go just for my sisters.
SharonS - you should do a exercise plan for all of us! I really need to figure out how to rebuild the muscle strength on the lumpectomy side. It hurts after carrying a laptop.
I'm not doing too well with radiation. Only 4 tx and my body already feels like I have been in the sun too long. I think its just me...but this sucks. My entire upper body stays warm and radiates for hours after treatment. Plus my face gets incredibly itchy. I see the rad onc. tomorrow and hopefully she will be able to figure this out because I can't imagine going through 29 more sessions and feeling like this. I was getting pretty depressed this evening until I called a friend for laughter.
I pray all the time that I have the strength to make it through these last 6 weeks.
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I was diagnsed on 2/4/08. I had a lumpectomy on 2/29/08. I have Stage IIb, 1 of 5 nodes positve, Grade 3 and size was 3.8 cm, Triple Negative.
I had my first treatment of Taxotere and Cytoxan on April 1. I have 5 more cycles to go. I did ok the first cycle, somewhat tired the first week and slight weazy stomach. I did have the yukky mouth and the constipation. My acupuncturist recommended honey in green tea and also baked sweet potatos for the constipation. This worked like a charm!!! I used "Biotene" toothpaste and mouthwash for the yukky mouth. This worked very well also, but of course they were expensive!! I starting losing my hair in day 15/16 and my husband cut it of on Day 17. I was very SAD for about an hour. I had already purchased 4 wigs since by initial diagnosis and I practiced wearing them before I lost my hair so I was READY.
My next cycle is today. (I can not sleep tonight) followed by Neulasta. My onc warned me about the bone pain from Neulasta. now I have more information from this site. Thank you all for your stories, struggles, good times and inspirations. Peace and Blessings!!!
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Tig - OK, that makes sense. It's almost May and treatments take time. I was diagnosed in October, and look how long that has been! Sometimes I forget.
debap - you can go to http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/ and find a location near you. Hope you find one. The makeup they give you is good stuff. It's fun do do something for yourself. I didn't take the time this morning for my 12-step beauty regime though. (HAHA!)
dellmonica - welcome to the craziness. Hope your treatment goes well. Remember, not all of us had the bad reaction to Neulasta, so maybe you'll get lucky!! Four wigs? You go, girl!!
I'm back to work today. Hope my brain and energy show up.
Have a good one, everyone!
CHJ
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Sharon...it is a small world! I have just transferred to UVA, so #3 is there. We'll see how it goes! If your ever on this side of the mountain, let me know, we could get together for lunch or something!
Artsee... they did tell me NO alcohol, which really sucks cause it seems like the girls at work want to go out all the time .. and I'll be honest, I have no self control, I would drink in a heartbeat .. I love my tequila, can't help myself.
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Believer: funny story for you too. Your wig must look really good!
CHJ: good luck at work and keep drinking to flush that poison through!
debap: hit the infusion chair around 10:30 this a.m., revkat in the afternoon - keep good thoughts!
bd: really sorry to hear about your radiation difficulty, that sucks. as if chemo wasn't enough punishment. your body is certainly not feelin' the love for ANY of this radiation crap. hang in there and hit the Sam A. if things get rough.
dellmonica - you are on the same schedule as me. I also started April 1 and have #2 today. I'm lucky to only be getting 4 rounds. My hair fell out last week like yours - getting used to the wig. I also use the Biotene and have had no mouth sores - yucky mouth and no taste - but I can live with that. Good luck and I hope you will find support and answers here - it's been great for me!
to all: anyone else get the Decadron munchies?! I was like a ravenous fool yesterday, could not get enough to eat and was still starving at bedtime! Perhaps THIS is why I didn't lose any weight yet? Plus, I kind of enjoy that ADD feeling on the Decadron, I get SO much done! I was gardening, cleaning, even ironed shirts and sewed all the loose buttons on shirts that have been on pile for 6 months - I NEVER do that! Just could not sit down. Made good use of the extra energy that will quickly drain after today.
Hope you all have a good day.
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Hi, all--
My hair experiment is pretty much wrapped up, and I wish to make a report. For those of you who were curious whether your hair would actually fall out on Taxotere/Cytoxan if you didn't shave it, the answer is ... probably yes. There is nothing left of mine (day 20 of cycle 1) except some fine, wispy fringe for bangs and down the sides. When I wear a cap, it does look like I have very short hair, which is OK. I don't think I will shave it, since there is so little left anyway and it is easy to pick up when I shed. (Lint rollers work on pillows as well as on scalp.)
I've started a chemo calendar for this week, over on the "Starting chemo in April" thread. I need to add dellmonica, but otherwise I think I've included everyone here on that list. Send me a note or a post if I forgot someone. You'll have to scroll back a ways, because it's an active thread (like this one).
Anyway, I have to go call my onco nurse about some things in prep for tomorrow (TC #2 of 4). I need to find out which arm(s) I should let them use for all of tomorrow's activities. With a mast and 3 nodes removed (SNB) on the left side, I've been told by everyone, even the LE therapist I saw, that I am at low risk for developing LE. Still, I'm supposed to guard my left arm and not allow BP measurements, blood draws, i.v.'s, injections. Tomorrow, I'll need a blood draw at 11:00, a BP measurement at 12:30, an i.v. cath for chemo at 1:30, and hopefully nothing else unless I crash during the Taxotere.
I don't think it's a good idea to pump up a BP cuff on an arm with a fresh needle stick, much less one that has a chemo i.v. cath in it. So, I'm considering allowing them to use my left arm (mast/SNB side) for the BP measurements. I don't know if they use legs, and I'm not sure I want to argue about it.
Binney4 would hit me upside the head for doing that, but I'm thinking of relative risks. It's the risk of developing LE from one or two BP measurements, vs. the risk of extravasation of chemo meds from using one arm for everything tomorrow. My dh, of course, says "just trust your doctors and nurses--they'll know what to do." Yeah, but the people in the phlebotomy lab are clueless. Last time, the woman put the tourniquet on so tight I thought it would cut right through my skin.
Also, I need to find out what I can do to reduce the fluid retention I had immediately after tx #1. I gained and lost 6 pounds over 36 hours. That's not good.
To everyone who's up for tx today, CHARGE! To those of us who are up tomorrow, sleep well tonight. (Hah!)
otter
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Otter..with surgery and nodes on the right sight, and a picc line in the left, my BP is taken on the leg. It's amazing to me the times the nurses want to do it on the arm. I almost have to yell..STOP..legs only!!!
As for the retention of fluid, let us know. Last night I had to get up 5 times to go to the john. I didn't think I drank all THAT much. Remember I said my face was looking like it was bloating?
Evie
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Hi everyone,
Day 7 after tx #3. Nothing major to report about. I did get a little nauseated on day 3 so I kept the compazine going for 24 hours and that took care of that. Mouth a little sore today but still have taste. Had shooting pains in the legs and back yesterday, but Tylenol controlled that. So far the the part I dislike the most is that chemo 'fog' for the first 4 or 5 days. I can't concentrate enough to read, and you know how bad TV is. The time just drags on and on unless I can get to sleep. Music from my headphones does help a lot. Right after the first tx I was afraid that the chemo fog would be continuous for the whole chemo process. Thank goodness it's not.
I like the comments about the wigs that I have been reading. I wore my wig to my tx last time because I had been out in 'public' prior and the onco nurse comes up and whispers, "Is that a wig? It is gorgeous! You would never know." That is not the first time that has happened, so I guess I got really lucky with my selection. It does look like my old hair style, only much better. The front is silvery grey and back is salt & pepper; short haircut and kind of 'messy'. I think a dead giveaway for wigs is that perfectly coiffed (spelling) look in an unusual color. In my case I bought a grey, messy hairdo and so it looks natural. Who would do that intentionally? I just wish it was more comfortable. My dh and I went to a movie yesterday and by the end of it I had a headache. When I go back to work at my part time job I will have to tolerate it for at least 5 hours. I may go stark raving mad! You can get a comfort band from the TLC catalog that had some really good reviews on this message board a few months ago, but it is $28 plus shipping and that is more than I can justify. But maybe I will go for it just to get thru work.
debap - my onco nurse gave me a list of items to report immediately, and one was a fever greater than 100.5, so watch that closely.
Non chemo cocktails - I was not told anything specific but in the literature for T & C it does say to check with your doctor. I have had wine and it was fine. My acid reflux is my biggest issue with alcohol so I really think twice about it. The room where they mix the chemo bags at my onco's office has a cute wooden "Cocktails" sign over the door. Ha ha. They don't offer any appetizers to go with those cocktails or have a happy hour. What kind of place is that!
Well, I have blathered on enough. May our s/e's be minor.
Joyce
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Afternoon all.
Otter: I was told on the first time around by my bs that to never let them do blood pressure, or a needle stick on the arm that there were nodes removed. It was "cuffed" once because I forgot to say anything...I suffered for almost a month with a mild form of lymphedemia.
So, girl DON'T take that chance. It is not worth the risk. Honest truth, have had blood drawn and blood pressure afterwards; am still here. I didn't bleed out
nor have any other problems. Our bodies can do amazing things. Consider the "cocktail party" we have going on now.Bd: When I did rads they said it was okay to use cold compresses to relieve the heat/burn. It did reduce the heat sensation that seemed to stay continual during all the appts. Hope it can work for you.
Have a great afternoon, se F-r-e-e.
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Hi everyone!
I agree, never take chances - I almost want to get the Med Alert bracelet just to make sure. When I was in the hosp, the night after surgery, a nurse came in, in the middle of the night (in the middle of my sleep) and takes blood pressure on my bad arm. Owwwwww!!!! What in the world?! I was in the hospital section for mastectomy patients, and the nurses didn't know which arm? :-< I thought my arm was going to explode! After that incident, they put up signs all over - even on doors of other patients. Oh well. I hope that's not why my arm feels sore sometimes
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Help - I have a question about meds to take tonight!
Tomorrow I have my 4th (last!) TC tx. This morning I took 2 steroids (dexamethasone) after breakfast. I've felt slightly nauseated all day, which never happened before. I am to take 2 again after dinner. I was already planning to take 1 or 2 ativan to help me sleep tonight, but now I'm wondering if that will help with the nausea. Should I also take a compazine? Of course, by the time I thought of this question the triage nurse line was closed for the day. Anyone had experience with this? The next 3 days I take 1 steroid in the am and 1 in the pm, plus 1 Emend each day for anti-nausea.
Haven't been able to catch up with all the posts, but I see that you've been discussing drinking. I assumed that I should avoid it, but my onc said it was a quality of life issue and if I usually drank in moderation it was okay. I usually would have white wine (suavignon blanc) on weekends, but I've been afraid the taste would bother me so I haven't had any since I started chemo. However, I have been drinking Lambic Belgian Framboise beer (as you see, I'm not much of a beer drinker!) on the weekends, and that has tasted fine. I haven't yet read the article about this on this site.
Thanks for any suggestions!
beegirl
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Bee..I don't know anything about your drugs as I don't have to take any before treatments, but I can give you a hint in the wine. You will Know when you want that glass of wine. As soon as the appetite comes back and the taste buds are working I have wine. It tastes good by then and for me its about 6-7 days after the TX.
Cheers to you, Evie
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beegirl - congrats on your last tx tomorrow! That's awesome. Now, this is only my opinion, but anytime I feel the nausea creeping in, I pop a Compazine. The nurses told me to stay ahead of the nausea, and that's what I would do. I am not a nurse.
Where is KathyL??? She would know this...
CHJ
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Thanks, CHJ. As it happened my parish nurse called this evening to check on me (she is herself a 10-year or more bc survivor). She suggested taking a compazine then and the ativan when I go to bed. So far I don't feel drowsy and I do feel less queasy. Do you get any side effects from the compazine?
Beegirl
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The only side effect I got from compazine is that it made me feel better right away.......:> And that's a good one!
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Evie, I didn't realize you weren't given any pre-meds to take before your infusion. I wasn't, either. They give me Decadron, Zofran, and Zyrtec in my i.v. before the Taxotere & Cytoxan. Is that equivalent to what you get?
The reason I'm curious is because nearly everybody else is taking Decadron orally the day before, day of, and day after their infusions. Maybe they're not getting Decadron in the i.v.? I'm wondering which is the best way to block that immediate reaction to Taxotere, like you had with your 2nd tx.
otter
(worrying about tomorrow, as usual)
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